227 How Graston, Tissue Scraping, and IATSM Works

Has your physical therapist or chiropractor used a stainless steel tool to work on your persistent knots? If so, you've experienced Graston therapy.

The Graston Technique is a type of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IATSM), which research has shown to be effective in improving range of motion and reducing pain.

Personally, I've never been a big fan of hard tools, especially if they cause bruising, but this is where things can get confusing.

In many Eastern medicine techniques (gua sha, cupping, etc.), bruising is the goal and is seen as a sign of healing. So is Graston just a watered-down, Westernized version of an ancient practice? Does it actually work?

In this week's episode, we dive into all things Graston and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization.

You’ll learn:

• Using tools for bodywork aka instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization
• The history of the Graston Technique and how it works
• How hard tools can be used safely and effectively to reduce pain and improve range of motion… without bruising

All the links:

• The efficacy of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization: a systematic review. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association 60.3 (2016)
• Instrument-assisted cross-fiber massage accelerates knee ligament healing. Journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy 39.7 (2009)
• The efficacy of instrument assisted soft tissue mobilization: a systematic review. J Can Chiropr Assoc. 2016
• The immediate effects of graston instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization and self-stretching on the muscular properties of the gastrocnemius in athletes." Korean Society of Physical Medicine 15.4 (2020)
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